Heavy rains lash Kota, Baran; NDRF on high alert

As Persistent moderate to heavy rains across Kota, Bundi, Baran and Jhalawar districts of Rajasthan since Friday have thrown normal life out of gear, with most of the rivers and rivulets overflowing, several villages being disconnected from the surrounding areas, and many people being trapped.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), rescue and medical teams have been put on high alert to meet any untoward incident, while district officials and subordinate staff have also been sent into the affected area. Baran district collector SP Singh himself monitoring the situation further.

Around nine villages in Baran district are surrounded by water and are disconnected from the neighbourhood, due to the overflowing Baithli river. In Samraniya village, river water has entered many houses. Government and private schools in the district declared a holiday on Saturday.

“Baran district has received excessive rainfall in the last 20 hours; at some places, over 200 mm rainfall was recorded, although the situation is under control,” SP Singh said. The people were also reportedly trapped at several places in the district but they have been rescued safely, he said adding that the NDRF, medical and other rescue teams are on high alert, with officials present on the field to meet any untoward situation. “I have myself been on the field since 5.30 am. I’m personally monitoring the situation,” he said.

More rains have been predicated for the next 24 hours, but Singh added that the district administration is prepared for any emergencies.